Palm Desert Charter Middle School

74-200 Rutledge Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
: 
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 1,298 students in grades 6-8, Palm Desert Charter Middle School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 38% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • School Type: Charter School
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 1,298 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 66%
  • : Top 30% in CA
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 60% (Top 30%)
  • : 38% (Top 30%)
  • : Palm Desert Charter Middle serves the northeast part of Palm Desert, CA, covering an extensive area of approximately 541.8 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 45.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Palm Desert Charter Middle School's student population of 1,298 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
1,298 students

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers

Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data

School Calendar

School Rankings

Palm Desert Charter Middle School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palm Desert Charter Middle School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (CA)
#2727 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)

Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data

38%
34%

Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data

60%
47%
38%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
21:1

Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Asian
6%
12%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Hispanic
52%
56%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Black
2%
5%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

White
34%
20%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Two or more races
6%
6%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 17-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
66%
0.61

Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data

(22-23)
24.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
54%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
8%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palm Desert Charter Middle School's ranking?
Palm Desert Charter Middle School is ranked #2727 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Palm Desert Charter Middle School often compared to?
Palm Desert Charter Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like John Glenn Middle School Of International Studies, Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School, La Quinta Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
38% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 60% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Palm Desert Charter Middle School?
1,298 students attend Palm Desert Charter Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Palm Desert Charter Middle School students are Hispanic, 34% of students are White, 6% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Palm Desert Charter Middle School?
Palm Desert Charter Middle School has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Palm Desert Charter Middle School offer ?
Palm Desert Charter Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Palm Desert Charter Middle School part of?
Palm Desert Charter Middle School is part of Desert Sands Unified School District.

School Reviews

5   10/10/2025
This school was great!
- Posted by Student/Alumni - student
5   10/10/2025
This school was great! I was in the band program for 3 years, and I loved the community there. There are electives like art, theater, Spanish, foods, robotics, engineering, and choir, but there are many more to choose from. Some of the teachers are lenient about what you're doing during class as long as you''re getting all your work done.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - jali30o9

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • School Type: Charter School
  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 1,298 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 66%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 38% (Top 50%)
  • : 60% (Top 30%)
  • : 38% (Top 30%)
  • : Palm Desert Charter Middle serves the northeast part of Palm Desert, CA, covering an extensive area of approximately 541.8 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 45.5 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education

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